Alvarez puts Mexico on the cusp of qualification
Mexico have all but secured qualification for the World Cup after a 1-0 away win over Honduras on Monday (AEDT).
Fourth-placed Costa Rica's 2-1 win in El Salvador earlier in the day meant Mexico could not immediately join Canada in sealing their spot in Qatar, but victory on the road means El Tri are on the brink.
With the top three CONCACAF sides gaining automatic qualification, third-placed Mexico sit three points clear of Costa Rica and have a four-goal advantage, meaning only a defeat at home to El Salvador on Wednesday and a significant goal swing will put Tata Martino's men in trouble.
Mexico had 70 per cent possession in the first half against Honduras but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities.
It upped the intensity after half-time, with Hector Herrera, Jesus Corona and Hirving Lozano all creating chances in the first 10 minutes.
Edson Alvarez eventually found the breakthrough in the 70th minute, heading in from Herrera's corner.